Sanitary fitting, particularly kitchen mixer

ABSTRACT

A sanitary appliance for use, for example, as a kitchen water control and temperature mixing valve, has a base part which is fixed to a plate and a housing surrounding the base part. The base part receives all functional parts of the appliance but is not visible from the outside. A receiving area for a mixer cartridge is provided in the base part, in addition to a bottom for feed pipes and optionally drainpipes. The mixer cartridge and the feed pipes are connected by a mechanism of an interchangeable intermediate element. The appliance can be adapted to various operational modes and mixer cartridges by replacing the intermediate element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a sanitary fitting, such as a kitchen typewater flow and temperature mixing control valve, having a fitting bodymounted at an opening in a countertop or plate.

2. Prior Art

Sanitary fittings normally comprise a fitting body, which is e.g. madefrom cast brass. Fittings have also been proposed in which the fittingbody is constructed as a sheet metal part or from plastic. Inconventional sanitary fittings, the outside of this fitting bodysimultaneously forms the outer shape of the sanitary fitting.

A single hole-single lever mixing fitting is known (DE-C2-3243750), inwhich a cast metal battery housing has an externally, substantiallycylindrically constructed area into which issue connecting passages.This area is covered by a ring, in which a check valve is provided andwhich leads to a separate appliance connecting pipe.

A single hole mixing fitting is also known (DE-A1-3022706), which has apedestal with an insertion connecting piece for fixing in a wash basin.Bowden wires can pass through the pedestal, to which is connected theremainder of the fitting housing.

It would be to provide a sanitary fitting, of a improved type, which inthe case of a simple construction can be adapted to different functionsand uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve this problem the invention proposes a sanitary fitting havingthe features disclosed herein and defined in the independent claim(s)Further developments of the invention form the subject matter of thedependent claims, whose wording, like that of the abstract, is byreference made into part of the content of the present description.

The base part, together with the intermediate element, can beconstructed in such a way that it can receive the mixing device, e.g. amixer cartridge. The base part is constructed in such a way that it canbe fitted with a fastening or fixing device to the plate-like element,e.g. a counter top or other a rinsing surface. To the base part is thenconnected the housing, which completely surrounds the base part. Theexternal shape and the surface characteristics are consequently onlydetermined by the housing, which does not take over any supportingfunctions. The liquid connection between the water-carrying parts, i.e.the supply pipes and optionally a pipe passing on further, the outletfrom the sanitary fitting and the mixer valve, is at least partly takenover by the intermediate element. To adapt to different tasks andfunctions of the sanitary fitting, it is only necessary to remove theintermediate element and replace it by another intermediate element.Thus, the most varied of fittings can be housed in the base part.Through the replacement of the housing, there can also be an adaptationto different shapes and colors.

According to a further development of the invention the base part canhave a bottom for the connection of water supply pipes and optionally apipe passing on further. This bottom can in particular be inserted inthe base part and for this purpose a mounting support can be provided,e.g. a single shoulder, on which the bottom rests.

According to a further development of the invention the intermediateelement, which is inserted in the base part, can have or form a bottomfor the mixing device, e.g. a mixer cartridge. For the axial orientationof the intermediate element the base part can be internally providedwith a shoulder, on which the intermediate element rests.

The housing, completely surrounding the base part, can optionally befixed to the plate-like element, to which the base part is fitted.However, it is particularly favorable and is provided in a furtherdevelopment, for it to be fitted and optionally also fixed to the basepart.

According to a further development of the invention the housing and/orthe base part has a sleeve-like construction.

According to the invention the housing can be sealed relative to thebase part.

According to another further development of the invention a sealed spacebetween the casing and the base part is constructed as a water duct andconsequently participates in the sanitary fitting function.

For example, the space between the housing and the base part can be usedfor implementing a connection to an outflow, which is in particularprovided on or formed by the housing.

According to a further development of the invention the housing can befixed in rotary manner to the base part and as a result it is e.g.possible to pivot the outflow.

The invention more particularly proposes the provision in theaforementioned receptacle of a mixer cartridge, which can be astandardized mixer cartridge. For the fixing of the mixer cartridge canbe provided a box nut, which is e.g. screwed onto the base part andwhich not only secures, but also axially braces the mixer cartridge. Thebracing of the mixer cartridge can be utilized for also bracing thebottom for fixing water pipes and/or the intermediate element andtherefore for axially securing the same in the base part.

According to a further development of the invention a box nut isprovided, which axially secures the housing on the base part, but whichoptionally still allows turning.

It can in particular be provided that the box nut for bracing the mixercartridge is simultaneously used for axially securing the housing on thebase part.

According to the invention, for fixing the sanitary fitting the lattercan have a tubular element with an external thread inserted in andconnected to the base part. The tubular element is advantageouslyconnected to the base part in such a way that around it is formed asupport shoulder located in one plane. The tubular element is passedthrough a corresponding opening of the plate-like element and is bracedwith the latter from the other side.

The fixing device can be constituted by a stay bolt inserted in the basepart.

According to a further development of the invention it is possible toscrew a collar, which additionally axially secures the housing on thebase part, and can be located on the box nut securing the mixercartridge.

According to another further development of the invention the base partis constructed in two portions, particularly arranged in an axial,reciprocal extension. This makes it possible to implement differentfunctions, sizes or other changes and one of the two portions mayoptionally only assume an optical function. It is e.g. possible toproduce higher fittings.

It is in particular possible for the two portions to be interchangeablyretained on one another.

According to a further development of the invention one of the twoportions of the base part has the mixer cartridge, e.g. in theabove-described receptacle, whereas the other portion is a socket orpedestal part. The latter is mainly used for forming the bearing face onthe surface to which fixing takes place. In particular, the pedestalpart has the fixing device for the sanitary fitting. The connectionbetween the fixing device, the pedestal part and the second part of thebase housing can be constructed in such a way that the pedestal part canbe omitted, so that the fixing device can be connected in the same wayto the pedestal part or to the second portion of the base part.

In a further development the pedestal part can have additionalfunctional parts of the sanitary fitting, e.g. operating devices,sensors for proximity electronics, Bowden wires for the plug lifter ofthe relief valve, etc.

However, it is in particular possible to provide for one of the twoportions of the base part and in particular the pedestal part, to have avalve for shutting off or changing the position for a separate outlet.Said outlet can optionally pass to the outside through the pedestalpart. However, it is particularly favorable if the connection to theoutlet leads through the fitting onto the underside of the fixing face.Said valve can also be an appliance valve for a washing or rinsingmachine.

The valve can provide a connection to water supply pipes upstream of themixing devices of the sanitary fitting, e.g to the hot or cold watersupply pipe. Optionally this can also take place in alternating manner.

It is also possible for the additional valve to provide a connection tothe mixed water pipe of the sanitary fitting and for it to be locateddownstream of the mixer cartridge.

It is also possible for the pedestal part to have a connection for amonth douche.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, details and advantages of the invention can be gathered fromthe following description of a preferred embodiment with reference tothe attached drawings, wherein show:

FIG. 1 An axial section through a sanitary fitting according to a firstembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 An axial section through a sanitary fitting according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 3 An axial section through a sanitary fitting according to a thirdembodiment.

FIG. 4 An axial section through a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 An axial section through a fitting with an additional valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings diagrammatically illustrate the fitting of a sanitaryfitting to a plate-like element and in the left-hand half of all thedrawings is shown a relatively thick plate 1, whereas a thin plate 2 isshown in the right-hand half. The type of bracing is similar for bothplate types.

The sanitary fitting of FIG. 1 contains a sleeve-like base part 3. Onstarting from the top in FIG. 1, it contains an externally circularcylindrical area emanating from a planar front end, to which isconnected a second, externally circular cylindrical area with a reduceddiameter. At the lower end the diameter present at the upper end isagain assumed. The reduced diameter area is sealed from the remainingend regions by a circumferential seal 4. The lower front face of thebase part 1, which also has a circumferential seal 5, has a planarconstruction and forms a bearing face with which the base part 3 restson the top of the plate 1 or 2.

Once again starting from the top, the base part 3 has on the inside acircular cylindrical receptacle 6 for a mixer cartridge 7 shown insimplified form. The receptacle 6 is bounded by a shoulder 8, which isformed in that at this point the internal diameter of the base part 3 isreduced. To the shoulder 8 is connected a cylindrical inner space 9,which is bounded by a circumferential ring shoulder 10. The ringshoulder 10 is formed by an inwardly projecting rib 11. Below the rib 11a tubular element 12 is inserted in to the base part 3 and is e.g.screwed, welded or soldered to the base part 3. The tubular elementprojects well above the lower bearing face of the base part 3. Thetubular element 12 has an external thread 13.

On the ring shoulder 10 is placed a bottom 14, which has connectingnipples for the supply pipes 15, 16. Each of the ends of the supplypipes 15, 16 is inserted in a nipple 17, which is constructed as acylindrical sleeve and has on its outside two grooves for receiving ineach case one seal. The nipple 17 is seated in a stepped hole of thebottom 14 in such a way that one of the two seals seals it with respectto the bottom 14. The nipple 17 projects so far over the top of thebottom 14 that the other seal engages in a stepped hole of anintermediate element 18 located above the same and seals it with respectto said intermediate element.

On the bottom 14 in the base part 3 is inserted from above theintermediate element 18, which has in the vicinity of its lower end theaforementioned component cooperating with the connecting nipple 17 ofthe supply pipes 15, 16. It is not readily apparent from FIG. 1 how thisintermediate element 18 is constructed. However, it is clear that saidintermediate element fits into the region of the base part 3 with thereduced internal diameter and that its axial position is determined bythe fact that a bottom 19 located at its upper end rests on the shoulder8. However, without resting on the shoulder, the intermediate elementcan be pressed by the cartridge onto the bottom 14 and can consequentlyfix the same. The component 18 contains a few connecting channels, inorder to produce the connection between the supply pipes 15, 16 and themixer cartridge 7. The bottom 19 located at the upper end of theintermediate element 18 and which is sealed from the inside of thecomponent 3, forms the bottom for the mixer cartridge 7.

Between the intermediate element 18 and the inside of the base part 3 isprovided an intermediate space 20, which can be entered by water e.g.leaving the mixer cartridge 7. An opening 21 in the base part 3 leadsoutwards from the space 20.

On the cylindrical outside of the base part 3 is engaged from above ahousing 22, which optionally with a small or also large spacingsurrounds the outside of the base part 3. The housing can be sealed withrespect to the base part 3 by seals 4. By reducing the external diameterof the base part 3 in the area between the two circumferential seals, aspace 23 is formed there between the base part 3 and the housing 22 intowhich water passes through the opening 21. Thus, in the embodimentshown, said space is constructed as a water passage.

The housing 22 has in an area, which corresponds to said sealed space,an opening 24 which leads into an outflow spout 25 which, only partlyshown in the drawing, leads to an outflow. By rotating the housing 22with respect to the base part 3, the outflow 25 can be rotated about therotation axis of the base part 3.

For securing the mixer cartridge 7 in the receptacle 6 of the base part3 is provided a box nut 26, which is screwed into a thread of the endregion of receptacle 6. The box nut 26 has an outer flange 27, whichradially projects over the outside of the base part 3. On bracing themixer cartridge 7 in the base part 3, the intermediate element 18 isalso braced against the shoulder 8 or bottom 14. As a result of theradial projection of the outer flange 27, there is also an axialsecuring of the housing 22 on the base part 3. However, this axialsecuring is not a bracing action, because in the embodiment shown thehousing 22 can be rotated relative to the base part 3. However, versionsdo exist, e.g. for wash basins, in which the housing does not rotaterelative to the base part.

In the vicinity of the underside of the base part 3 the housing 22 restson a shoulder of said base part 3, so that its underside is roughlyflush with the bearing face of part 3. In the case of a rotatablehousing there must be a gap between the surface of the component towhich the fitting is fixed and the said housing. This prevents ascraping of the housing on the surface.

In order to operate the mixer cartridge an operating element 28, whichis not further illustrated, is provided. The mixer cartridge can have athermostatic or mechanical temperature control.

For fixing the fitting to the plate 1 or 2 a nut 29 is screwed onto theouter thread 13 of the tubular element 12 and said nut has severalaxially directed tapped holes. Into each of the tapped holes is screweda screw 30. Between the screws 30 and the underside of the plate 1 or 2are placed two flat rings 31, which are intended to distribute thepressure exerted by the screws 30. By tightening the screws 30 thefitting is braced with the plate 1 or 2. With respect to the right-handside of the drawings in connection with the fixing an intermediateelement 32 is inserted between the rings 31 and the plate 2 and thisforms a larger working surface for the thinner plate.

The embodiment according to FIG. 2 differs from that according to FIG. 1in that in place of a rigid supply pipe a supply hose 33 is used, whichis connected in similar manner with the aid of a nipple 17 to the bottomand the intermediate element 18′. A different intermediate element 18′is used. The remaining parts of the fitting are the same or similar, sothat they will not be described again.

A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 reveals that the base part 3 and housing22 are identical in both embodiments and the bottom 14 can also beidentical. The nature of the fixing to the plate 1 or 2 is alsoidentical. The only part which differs in connection with the twofittings is the intermediate element 18 and optionally the bottom 14.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 a third intermediate element 18″ is used,which in this case contains a valve 34 for a hose sprinkler or shower.The construction of the valve 34 is such that it is automatically resetin the case of a pressure drop. It is clear that it is only necessary toreplace the intermediate element 18 and optionally the bottom 14 for thesupply pipes 15, 16 in order to bring about a different behavior orobtain a different sanitary fitting.

The bottom 14 could also be constructed in one piece (integrally) withthe base part. In the case of a loose bottom it can optionally beconnected to the intermediate part by locking connections and can befitted together with the connecting pipes as a subassembly. It wouldalso be possible to connect in the same way the mixer cartridge with theintermediate part.

It is clear from what has been stated hereinbefore that the sanitaryfitting according to the invention can be converted by the replacementof a few parts into a sanitary fitting with a different behavior or withdifferent connection possibilities. By replacing the housing 22 it isalso possible to achieve a different fitting appearance, e.g. adifferent housing shape or color.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the sanitary fitting proposed by theinvention. The base part 3 is in this case formed by two portions 3 a, 3b arranged in an axial extension. The portion 3 a contains thereceptacle for the mixer cartridge 7 and the intermediate bottom 14, inwhich are located the nipples for the supply hoses 15. The base partstill comprises a pedestal portion 3 b, which rests on the surface ofthe fixing plate. The pedestal portion 3 b contains a bore with aninternal thread into which is screwed the fixing pipe 12. In anextension of the bore receiving the fixing pipe 12 the pedestal portion3 b contains a lug 37 with an external thread corresponding to theexternal thread of the fixing pipe 12. With said lug 37 the pedestalportion 3 b is screwed into the portion 3 a of the base part. This meansthat the pedestal portion 3 b could also be omitted, because the fixingpipe 12 could also be directly screwed into the base part 3.

The upper portion 3 a is located on a shoulder of the pedestal portion 3b. The outside of the pedestal portion 3 b is approximately aligned withthe outside of portion 3 a. As indicated in the drawing, the housing 22is constructed in such a way that it surrounds on all sides both theportion 3 a and the pedestal portion 3 b of the base part 3.

It would also be conceivable to provide the pedestal portion 3 b with alarger external diameter and to allow the housing 22 only to extend upto the shoulder of the pedestal portion 3 b.

In the embodiment shown the pedestal portion 3 b merely extends thefitting, which can e.g. be desirable for optical or design reasons. Itis also possible and is proposed by the invention that the pedestalportion 3 b takes over further functions, e.g. receives an additionaldevice. It would e.g. be possible to house an appliance valve for awashing or rinsing machine or also an operating device for the pluglifter of the drain valve in the said pedestal portion 3 b. It wouldalso be possible for it to house sensors for a proximity electronics orother miscellaneous sensors.

The box nut 36 is constructed in such a way that it only secures themixer cartridge 7 in the base part 3 a. The box nut 36 has an externalthread which is still accessible after the securing of the cartridge.Onto said external thread is screwed a collar 38, whose edge 39 projectsradially over the base part 3 and consequently secures the housing 22against an upward raising.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the construction of said sanitary fittingis similar to that shown in FIG. 4, so that only the differences will beexplained.

Once again the base part is constructed from two portions arranged in amutual axial extension, whereof the pedestal portion 30 now has adifferent interior. However, its external dimensions are similar tothose of the embodiment of FIG. 4, i.e. it can be screwed into theidentical second portion 3 a of part 3. The fixing of the plate with theaid of a threaded sleeve takes place in the same way as in the precedingembodiments.

The pedestal 30 contains a check valve 31, which makes it possible toproduce a connection between the cold water supply pipe, which leadsinto a duct 32, and an additional outlet 33. This additional outlet 33,which is a copper pipe in the embodiment shown, leads through the fixingopening and the fitting to the lower side of the wash basin plate towhich fixing has taken place. On the back of the pedestal 30 remote fromthe outflow spout is provided an operating handle 34 for the check valve31. It is in fact a clamp handle, which can be turned about an axisrunning perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fitting. The checkvalve 31 is used e.g. for supplying water to a rinsing machine. It canoptionally also be constructed as a check and changeover valve, so thatthe user can choose whether he wishes to supply his rinsing or washingmachine initially with hot water or with cold water.

It is also conceivable to construct the valve in such a way that it issupplied with mixed water downstream of the mixer cartridge. Severalvalves could be optionally provided in place of the single check valve31.

In the pedestal part can be provided an additional connection, whichleads roughly radially out of said part. It is here possible to e.g.connect a mouth douche.

1. A sanitary fitting, comprising: a base part including a receptaclefor a mixer device and a fixing device for fixing the base part to aplate-like element; an intermediate element that is insertable in thebase part and makes at least one of a hydraulic and mechanicalconnection between water-carrying parts of the sanitary fitting; ahousing that completely surrounds the base part; wherein the base partis constructed from two portions arranged in axial extension and one ofthe two portions is held in interchangeable manner on the other of thetwo portions, wherein the base part has a sleeve-like construction andthe fixing device comprises a tubular element with an external thread,inserted into and connected to the base part.
 2. The sanitary fittingaccording to claim 1, wherein a bottom in the base part providesconnections at least for water supply pipes.
 3. The sanitary fittingaccording to claim 2, wherein the bottom rests on a shoulder.
 4. Thesanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate elementprovides a bottom for a mixer cartridge.
 5. The sanitary fittingaccording to claim 1, wherein the intermediate element rests on ashoulder.
 6. The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein thehousing is secured on the base part.
 7. The sanitary fitting accordingto claim 1, wherein the housing is sealed relative to the base part. 8.The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein a sealed space isconstructed in water-carrying manner between the housing and the basepart.
 9. The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein the housingintegrally provides an outflow.
 10. The sanitary fitting according toclaim 1, wherein the housing is fixed in rotary manner to the base part.11. The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, further comprising amixer cartridge inserted in the reception.
 12. The sanitary fittingaccording to claim 11, further comprising a box nut (26) for axiallysecuring the mixer cartridge in the base part.
 13. The sanitary fittingaccording to claim 1, further comprising a box nut for axially securingthe housing on the base part.
 14. The sanitary fitting according toclaim 13, wherein the box nut axially secures both the mixer cartridgeand the housing.
 15. The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, whereinthe fixing device has stay bolt inserted in the base part.
 16. Thesanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein the base part has abearing shoulder for bearing on a plate-like element to which thesanitary fitting can be mounted.
 17. The sanitary fitting according toclaim 1, wherein the fixing device is integral with the base part. 18.The sanitary fitting according to claim 13, with a collar, which can bescrewed onto the box nut and secures the housing on the base part. 19.The sanitary fitting according to claim 1, wherein one of the twoportions of the base part has the receptacle for the mixer cartridge,whereas the other portion is a pedestal portion.
 20. The sanitaryfitting according to claim 19, wherein the pedestal portion has thesanitary fitting fixing device.
 21. The sanitary fitting according toclaim 1, wherein the housing surrounds both portions of the base part.